T-Mobile swaps spectrum with Leap to help launch LTE
updated 11:15 am EDT, Mon April 9, 2012
T-Mobile, Leap, two others share spectrum in deal
Wireless providers T-Mobile USA and Leap on Monday revealed they will exchange spectrum in some US markets in order to improve coverage. Part of the deal is Cook Inlet, a joint venture that T-Mobile has a non-controlling majority stake in, as well as Savary Island Wireless, in which Leap has a similar stake. According to Leap CEO Doug Hutchenson, the deal will help the carrier bump up its offerings in markets served by T-Mobile and paves the way for Leap to offer LTE.
Leap offers prepaid wireless services branded under the Cricket name. It would now get new spectrum in Phoenix, Arizona, along with Houston, Galveston, and Bryan College Station in Texas. Savary Island and Leap would get T-Mobile and Cook spectrum in some Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, and Wisconsin cities as well. T-Mobile, Cook Inlet, and Leap will swap spectrum in Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware; Atlantic City, NJ; and other markets in Texas and New Mexico. Finally, Leap and Cook Inlet will trade spectrum in Texas.
Financial details regarding the deal weren't revealed. Leap hopes to bring LTE tech to about two-thirds of its current network over the next two or three years. [via CNET]
